The chatter and laughter downstairs blurred into background noise as I filled my plate. Eggs, bacon, toast, and a slice of avocado that Amber insisted I try. Everything smelled delicious. My fingers trembled a little as I balanced the plate, so I tightened my grip and took a long breath. 

I needed space. 

The kitchen, the dining room, the group’s energy, it was too much. After last night, after what I overheard this morning, the last thing I wanted was to sit shoulder to shoulder with ...